hubtel Celebrates 20 Years of Ghanaian Tech Innovation
ACCRA — May 9, 2024 —
Ghanaian tech giant Hubtel commemorated its 20th anniversary, reflecting on its remarkable two decades of innovation. The event celebrated Hubtel’s evolution from a startup to a leading tech company, emphasizing its commitment to Ghana’s digital transformation through messaging, payment systems and e-commerce. Speakers lauded the company’s impact and resilience, highlighting its pivotal role in Ghana’s digital economy and its potential for future growth.
Hubtel Celebrates 20 Years of Ghanaian Innovation, From Humble Beginnings to Tech Giant
Accra, Ghana – Hubtel, a leading Ghanaian tech company, recently marked its 20th anniversary with a thanksgiving festivity that highlighted its remarkable journey from a startup to an industry leader.The event, featuring performances by gospel artists Joe Mettle, Piesie Esther, and Perez Music, served as a testament to the company’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to Ghana’s digital change.
A Letter to God: Reflecting on the Journey
Rather of a traditional corporate address, Alex Adjei Bram, Hubtel’s co-founder and CEO, shared a deeply personal letter to God, recounting the pivotal moments that shaped the company’s trajectory. Thes included:
- The initial disappointment of being rejected from medical school, which Bram described as a
divine redirection.
- The challenges faced after graduation, armed with only a business card and a strong belief, but lacking investors or an office.
- The early years marked by financial fragility, where faith served as the primary resource.
Bram acknowledged the uncertainties of the early days, stating, We didn’t no what we were doing. We only knew that provided that we stood for good and pursued love for our customers and mankind, You would be with us.
Since its inception, Hubtel has transitioned from a bulk SMS platform to a major player in the tech and payment sector.Bram expressed gratitude for the opportunities, challenges, mentors, and the market dynamics that propelled the company’s evolution. He emphasized the importance of divine guidance throughout their journey.
Ghanaian Excellence on Display
Sam George, the Minister for Communications, Digitalization, and Innovation, lauded Hubtel as an embodiment of Ghana’s potential. The Hubtel story highlights a major fact we should all be proud of as Ghanaians. It speaks to the power of local innovation and proves that ghanaian talent can compete at the highest levels. You don’t have to leave Ghana to achieve greatness,
George stated.
He further praised Hubtel’s pioneering efforts in messaging, payment systems, and e-commerce, noting, When Ghana needed ways for businesses to connect faster, Hubtel built it. When payments needed to be easier, Hubtel innovated. They have not just participated in Ghana’s digital transformation; they have led it.
Youthful Innovation: A Testament to Potential
George Opare Addo, the Minister for Youth Empowerment, emphasized that Hubtel’s success demonstrates the capabilities of Ghanaian youth when provided with opportunities and support.this is not just a celebration of a company’s milestone; it is a celebration of what the Ghanaian youth can do,
he declared.
Opare Addo highlighted the role of young software engineers, marketers, and delivery partners at Hubtel in driving innovation and creating new job opportunities. he urged private sector entities to support the government’s “one million coders” program, aimed at equipping young people with essential digital skills.
I wont to challenge not just Hubtel but the entire private sector to invest heavily in digital skills development, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support. It is the surest way to empower our youth for a digitally competitive future,
Opare Addo added.
The Unseen Strength in Digital Transformation
Patience Akyeanu, a Hubtel board member and chair of its audit committee, highlighted Hubtel’s crucial role in Ghana’s digital economy, drawing from her extensive experience in banking and insurance.In banking and insurance, digital transformation has shifted from a luxury to a lifeline. At the heart of Ghana’s digital evolution, Hubtel has consistently been a key player,
she said.
Akyeanu commended Hubtel for recognizing the transformative potential of technology early on,investing in platforms that enable businesses to connect,transact,and build trust.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Courage
The anniversary celebration underscored that Hubtel’s journey is ongoing. With advancements in artificial intelligence, big data, and financial technologies, Hubtel is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and contribute to shaping the future of Ghana’s digital landscape.
About Hubtel
Hubtel is a leading indigenous Ghanaian tech company that simplifies how people find and pay for everyday essentials and connect with businesses. Its mobile application enables users to order food, pay bills, and make payments seamlessly.
Hubtel’s mission is to drive Africa forward by enabling everyone to find and pay for essentials, aiming to become Africa’s most useful company — a platform that allows anyone to easily participate in the emerging digital economy across the continent.